A school which wants to sell land for housing to fund an expansion faces a conundrum after councillors refused to allow it to give up its open space.

Yattendon School in Oakwood Road, Horley, wanted to sell off part of what it described as its "disproportionate amount of playing land" for seven five-bedroom houses.

The money raised would then fund an all-weather pitch, new classrooms in a two-storey extension and moving the car park.

The expansion is needed for the September increase in pupil numbers from 90 to 120 with extra money required because of limited funds from Surrey County Council.

While sympathetic with the school's needs, members of Reigate & Banstead Borough Council's planning committee were unhappy with the number of houses proposed for the site and refused the housing scheme but approved the expansion programme, against the recommendation of officers.

Hamish Watson spoke at the meeting in Reigate Town Hall on Wednesday (January 15) on behalf of 17 residents who opposed the houses.

“We are against the size. We understand the need of the school but that doesn't make it acceptable,” he said. “It represents over-development of the site and is detrimental to the wider character of the area.”

However David Cole, headteacher at Yattendon School, claimed the detached houses would be in-keeping with others and said the land is not a designated playing area.

“If I authorised selling off land used by children I would be lynched by a number of angry parents and children,” he said.

Mr Cole also told the committee that the school had scaled back its plans having initially envisaged 13 houses for the site.

Around 50 people attended the debate, with the 50/50 split between supporters and opponents of the scheme mirrored on the committee.

Councillor Tony Schofield said: “I find it a contradiction, as the school is growing it needs to sell an amount of space.”

Tabling a motion to refuse the housing plan he said: “It would be out of character with the space, it's over-development and detrimental to the area.

However others, such as Cllr Graeme Crome spoke in favour of the plan.

“I commend the school for its entrepreneurship of self-help,” he commented. “Parents are in support of this school and approach to improve the education of their children. I'm really encouraged by that to see so many people.”

Cllr Victor Broad warned that if the number of houses for the site is reduced further, the school may not generate enough money for its improvements.

“Any development needs to be financially viable,” he said.

Sport England also registered its opposition to school's attempts to sell the land.

In total 10 councillors voted to support Cllr Schofield's motion to refuse the housing plan, with seven voting in favour of the scheme and one abstention.

However the committee did unanimously approve the school's application to build new classrooms and an all-weather pitch, which can be used by the community in the evening and at weekends.